Encouragement for today, Hope for tomorrow

Month: June 2017

How much is enough? We spend most of our limited time on this planet working not just to meet our needs, but to acquire and enjoy more and better stuff. John D. Rockefeller said, “I have made many millions, but they have brought me no happiness.”

How and on whom are we spending our time and our money? Do we use those resources primarily to build his kingdom in heaven or our kingdom on earth? Is cash our king, or is Christ?

When was the last time we gave generously to the poor and needy, or to further the kingdom of God? When we receive a bonus or unexpected funds, do we ask, “Who needs this money more than me?” or do we instead wonder, “What can I buy or where can I go with this?”

As followers of Christ, we would do well to consider whether we are managing the resources God has given us in a manner that would please Him. But don’t take my word for it. Let God, the source of all wisdom, have the final word on our attitude toward and behavior regarding money:

“Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” 1 Timothy 6:17.

“Those who trust in their riches will fall, but the righteous will thrive like a green leaf.” Proverbs 11:28.

“For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.” 1 Timothy 6:7-10.

“In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat– for he grants sleep to those he loves.” Psalm 127:2.

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:19-21.

“You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.” Revelation 3:17.

“No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matthew 6:24.

“Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Matthew 6:25-33.